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Discrete Element Model Building and Optimization of Tomato Stalks at Harvest

Author

Listed:
  • Qimin Gao

    (Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China)

  • Lei Cheng

    (Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China)

  • Renbing Wang

    (Binzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Binzhou 256600, China)

  • Mingjiang Chen

    (Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China)

  • Weisong Zhao

    (Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China)

  • Jingjing Fu

    (Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China)

  • Zhenwei Wang

    (Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China)

Abstract

The mechanical properties of tomato stalk, relevant to the harvesting and crushing of tomato vines, significantly impact its harvesting quality and efficiency. Establishing a simulation model, which accurately mirrors these properties, is foundational for designing related mechanical components. The discrete element method models tomato stalk harvesting and is optimized through mechanical tests and simulations. A blend of Plackett–Burman, steepest ascent, and central composite design modeling identified three contact model parameters influencing the maximum stalk shear force. The optimal values of these three parameters were a normal stiffness of 1.04 × 10 10 N m −3 , tangential stiffness of 7.59 × 10 9 N m −3 , and bond radius of 1.06 mm. The relative error in the simulated versus measured shear force was <1%, affirming the model’s accuracy in characterizing cutting properties. These findings lay the theoretical groundwork for numerical simulations of tomato-stalk-related equipment.

Suggested Citation

  • Qimin Gao & Lei Cheng & Renbing Wang & Mingjiang Chen & Weisong Zhao & Jingjing Fu & Zhenwei Wang, 2024. "Discrete Element Model Building and Optimization of Tomato Stalks at Harvest," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:4:p:531-:d:1365091
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhen Gao & Caiyun Lu & Hongwen Li & Jin He & Qingjie Wang & Shenghai Huang & Yunxiang Li & Huimin Zhan, 2022. "Measurement Method of Collision Restitution Coefficient between Corn Seed and Soil Based on the Collision Dynamics Theory of Mass Point and Fixed Surface," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-14, October.
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